Benue killings demand extraordinary action, Aondoakaa says

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Benue State, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, has stated that the attack on Mbaterem in Ukum Local Government Area on Sunday is a grim reminder that security in the state demands urgent and extraordinary action.
In a statement released on Monday by his Media Assistant, James Ian, Chief Aondoakaa decried the continuous vulnerability of Benue residents to armed invaders who kill, destroy livelihoods, and escape without consequences.
He strongly condemned the deadly assault on communities in Mbaterem, where gunmen on motorcycles reportedly invaded Ayaba, Ukpen, Bom, Aboajio, Yina, and surrounding villages around 5:00 AM.
The assailants shot sporadically, killing several residents, injuring many, and forcing terrified survivors to flee into nearby bushes during an attack that lasted for hours.
Aondoakaa asked: “How long will Benue communities continue to wake up to gunfire?”
“How many more farmers must be killed, and how many more families must abandon their ancestral homes before the protection of these vulnerable communities is treated as the emergency that it is?”
The former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice stressed that the citizens are tired of endless cycles of grief, condolences, and unfulfilled promises.
He insisted that the people urgently require concrete protection.
Chief Aondoakaa called on the government and security agencies to launch a comprehensive security operation in affected areas of Ukum to secure communities, apprehend attackers, and bring them to justice.
He noted the need to establish a sustained security presence across vulnerable communities in Benue State.
He also urged them act promptly on intelligence from local residents, secure known routes used by armed groups, and strengthen rapid-response mechanisms.
e reiterated that the primary duty of government remains the protection of lives and property, adding that securing citizens, returning displaced families, and enabling farmers to safely cultivate their land must be the overriding priority.
“Benue people have a right to their ancestral homes, their farms, and their legitimate activities without fear of being killed.
“They should not have to surrender their communities to armed men because of a failure to provide sufficient protection,” Aondoakaa stated.
He extended his condolences to the bereaved families, wished the injured a speedy recovery, and urged relevant authorities to deliver immediate relief to affected communities while ensuring displaced residents can safely return home.